EUGENE -- Christian Coleman stunned world champion Noah Lyles to win the men's 100m in a world-leading 9.83 at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field.

Lyles, who won the 100m and 200m gold medals at Worlds, finished second in 9.85. Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya was third, also running 9.85.

While Lyles' performance in Budapest earned him the unofficial title of "World's Fastest Man" and certainly established him as the one to beat in the sprints heading into the 2024 Olympic year. 

USA 1-2 FINISH! ??

Christian Coleman wins the 100m with a world lead time of 9.83 and Noah Lyles takes second.

?: @nbc & @peacock | #EugeneDL pic.twitter.com/ZVOuEcWPMx

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) September 16, 2023

But Coleman has actually now tied Lyles as the fastest man in the world this season, based on time, and certainly served notice that he should not be discounted when these sprinters return here for the Trials next summer.

“You just got to stay consistent, find your race pattern, and when you find it you hold on to it,” Coleman said. “This year I feel like I had a mental breakthrough to where I’m able to just find my stride and stick to it. And I feel like next year I’ll be able to capitalize.”

Coleman started well -- not an explosive start by his high standards -- and was strong throughout the middle stages of the race. What was the determining factor was his finish. When Lyles and Omanyala began to close, Coleman didn't tense up like he did at Worlds and ran relaxed through the line. It made the two-hundredths of second difference in this race.

“I feel like I could have executed the start a little bit better, but I feel like I was able to just put all my experiences throughout the year during the race,” Coleman said. "In races like that I usually might get tight or just not execute the back end, but I was able to just find a sense of confidence and believe in myself, like I knew I was supposed to win this race and so I was able to stay composed and put out a win at the end.”

For Lyles, some questioned why he did an about face and chose to compete here, risking his season ending on a loss instead of the high of his performance at Worlds, after declaring his season to be over. For his part, Lyles recognizes his stature in the sport and embraces his role as ambassador. He said it was the determining factor in his racing one more time.

“I’ve been having great block starts, this is my second fastest time of the year," he said. "Of course I want the win, but more importantly is that the crowd got to come out here and I got to be in front of them. After a World Championship win, I know that’s what they really wanted to see.

“I was able to do a victory lap, even though I didn’t win the victory, but they were just as excited. When you don’t win and they still know your name and they’re excited to see you, they want you to come back. I had told people I was ending my season and they were so sad because they wanted me to come to Pre. And I was like, you know what I got to give it to them, I’m a guy who loves competition and if they want it that bad then I’ll come back, as long as I’m healthy for it. I’m very glad I came back out.”

What's next for the sprint star?

“Once the track season starts it’s all business, but while it’s not I’m gonna go have fun," Lyles said. "I’m going to do non-track things. I’m going to go on late-night TV shows. I’m going to go walk in a fashion show. I’m going to go on some Sunday Night Football. I’m going to go on vacation, I’m going to go to Jamaica. I’m gonna have some fun.”

And how does Lyles plan to top 2023?

“By having a better one next year," he said. "World records and Olympic medals.”